How Youssef Zalal built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Youssef Zalal is a Moroccan professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. As of July 15, 2025, he holds the #9 ranking in the UFC featherweight division, showcasing his skill and standing within the sport.
On February 8, 2020, Youssef Zalal made his UFC debut against Austin Lingo at UFC 247 and won the fight via unanimous decision.
On August 8, 2020, Youssef Zalal fought Peter Barrett at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleinik, winning the fight by unanimous decision.
On October 11, 2020, Youssef Zalal faced Ilia Topuria at UFC Fight Night 179, losing the fight via unanimous decision after Seung Woo Choi withdrew and Ilia Topuria replaced him.
On February 6, 2021, Youssef Zalal faced Seung Woo Choi at UFC Fight Night 184, replacing Collin Anglin, and lost the fight via unanimous decision.
On June 5, 2021, Youssef Zalal faced Sean Woodson at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai, and lost the fight via split decision.
On August 13, 2022, Youssef Zalal's fight against Da'Mon Blackshear at UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Cruz ended in a majority draw. Da'Mon Blackshear replaced Cristian Quiñonez who was forced out due to visa issues.
On August 25, 2022, it was announced that Youssef Zalal had been released from the UFC.
On November 18, 2022, Youssef Zalal triumphed over Edwin Chavez via TKO in the first round at Sparta 93, marking a strong comeback in the MMA circuit following his release from the UFC.
On January 20, 2023, Youssef Zalal continued his winning streak by defeating Jake Childers by TKO in the first round at SCL: Fight Night 14 - King of Sparta Welterweight.
On August 19, 2023, Youssef Zalal secured another victory by submitting Vadim Zadnipryanyi with an arm-triangle choke in the first round at Sparta Combat League 98.
On March 23, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 53, replacing Gabriel Miranda, and won the bout by a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.
On August 10, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Jarno Errens at UFC on ESPN 61, winning the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round and earning a Performance of the Night award.
On November 2, 2024, Youssef Zalal faced Jack Shore at UFC Fight Night 246, winning the fight via an arm-triangle choke in the second round and earning another Performance of the Night award.
On February 15, 2025, Youssef Zalal faced Calvin Kattar at UFC Fight Night 251, winning the fight by unanimous decision.
As of July 15, 2025, Youssef Zalal is ranked #9 in the UFC featherweight division.
On October 4, 2025, Youssef Zalal is scheduled to face Josh Emmett at UFC 320.
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